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Alabama No “Net Loss of Hunting Land” Bill Heads to Governor

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Alabama --(AmmoLand.com)- The Alabama Senate recently passed legislation that will require the state to maintain at least the current acreage of hunting land that is available today.

The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Bob Riley (R).

House Bill 330, introduced by State Representative Craig Ford (D- Etowah), requires the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to open new hunting land if a department owned property currently open to hunting is closed.

The bill also directs the department to make every effort to open the replacement hunting land in the same region of the state as the property that was closed. The bill is similar to previous efforts in other states that were promoted by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA). The USSA has also developed and supported “no-net loss” legislative language at the national level including two current bills pending in Congress collectively known as the Hunting Heritage Protection Act.

HB 330 cleared both the House and Senate unanimously and the Governor’s office has indicated that he plans to sign the bill early next week.

“No net loss bills like House Bill 330 are very important in a time where access to hunting land is increasingly becoming difficult for sportsmen,” said Rob Sexton USSA vice president for government affairs. “We appreciate the efforts of all Alabama sportsmen who made this bill possible.”

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Vermont Families Afield Bill Clears House of Representatives

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Vermont --(AmmoLand.com)- On March 17, the Vermont House of Representatives passed Apprentice Hunting legislation aimed at reducing barriers to new hunters entering the field. House Bill 243 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

It is part of the national Families Afield effort by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Steve Adams (R- Hartland), will allow newcomers to try hunting under the close supervision of an experienced mentor prior to the completion of hunter education.

“We’re proud that Representative Adams and the House of Representatives have taken the first step to ensure the future of Vermont’s hunting heritage,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) director of state services. “Vermont sportsmen should continue voicing their support for this bill by calling their state senators.”

The Families Afield initiative was established by the USSA, NSSF and NWTF in 2004 in order to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Since the program’s inception, Families Afield legislation has been passed in 29 states with over 300,000 apprentice licenses sold to date. Other groups giving key support to the Vermont effort include the National Rifle Association, Vermont Traditions Coalition, and Ducks Unlimited.

Take Action!
Vermont sportsmen are encouraged to contact their state senators and urge them to support HB 243. Tell them that this bill is an important step to protect conservation efforts by reducing barriers for the next generation of Vermont hunters to take to the field. To find your state senator’s contact information, visit the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

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